Spain's oldest stage cycling race, organized by the Club Ciclista Vila-real, is gearing up for a very special edition. The return of the team time trial through the streets of Vila-real is one of the biggest novelties in recent years, a format that was previously part of the Gran Premi in earlier editions such as 1982 and 1992.
The race will be held between May 29 and 31 and will bring together 20 teams, of which 19 will be national and one will come from the Netherlands. The first major event will be on Friday, May 29, with the team time trial starting from the Estadio de la Cerámica and finishing at the hermitage of the Virgen de Gracia.
“"The reintroduction of the time trial will allow the citizens of Vila-real and nearby municipalities to enjoy and experience with greater intensity an event with strong local roots."
The 78th edition will consist of three stages. After the initial time trial, the second stage will be held on Saturday, May 30, with a 137-kilometer route between Vila-real and Morella. The third and final stage will take place on Sunday, May 31, covering 126 kilometers between Morella and Vila-real, concluding at the Pau Francisco Torres Municipal Sports City.
The route, which will pass through towns such as Onda, l'Alcora, Benassal, and Culla, maintains its identity as a true cycling race for elite and under-23 category riders, featuring demanding mountain passes and intermediate sprints that will test the cyclists' endurance.
In addition to its sporting component, the Gran Premi Vila-real de Ciclisme will have a charitable aspect, collaborating with the CDKL5 Affected Association to raise awareness about this genetic disease. This dimension reinforces the social character of the event, seeking to involve the public and generate awareness about causes that need support.
